Mechanism for rodding and cleaning pipes, sewers, and the like



S. O. BLANC MECHANISM FOR RODDING AND CLEANING PIPES, SEWERS, AND THE LIKE Filed June 13, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet l m5 qmwk INVENTOR. Jamzzei' 0 Elana,

AND THE LIKE S. O. BLANC Aug. 28, 1945.

SEWERS,

MECHANISM FOR RODDING AND CLEANING PIPES Filed June 13, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTQR. jammed OZ/arzc Augi 5- s. o. BLANC 2,383,843

SEWERS, ANDTHE LIKE MECHANISM FOR RODDING AND CLEANING PIPES,

Filed June 13, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 2 R W NwmV N QW W ,il i M g ,(J NQ QW u\m\.|H WW, M E Qb Y &m H \k M 1 m .1 I. llllll fii \K\ a 1 x x QQ QQ H a 1 I N% 1 T QN r 4 NQ 2 mm Q9 MN 1:. 3 wk} Allig- 5 s. o. BLANC 2,383,843

MECHANISM FOR RODDING AND CLEANING PIPES, SEWERS, AND THE LIKE Filed June 15, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 W Q 1 m N l E i a w ,l V X l ,MWHIH a g 1NvENTbR.

19czr7zaeZ0BZar40,

Aug.- 28, 1945. s. o. BLANC 2,383,843

MECHANISM FCSR RODDING AND CLEANING PIPES, S'EWERS, AND THE LIKE Filed Jufie 15, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

Jamei 0 BZa/zc,

Allg- 1945- s. o. BLANc 2,383,843

MECHANISM FOR RODDING AND CLEANING PIPES, SEWERS, AND THE LIKE Filed June 13,1942 8 Sheets-Sheet s [4 17 J36 J30 J56 J32 134 156 INVENTOR.

Jamaal 0 Elana,

SEWERS, AND THE LIKE Aug. 28, 1945.

s. o. BLANC MECHANISM FOR RODDING AND CLEANING FIRES,

Filed June 13, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 wmwk Wm NQN INVENT OR. Jamaal @Biarza Aug. 28, 1945.

MECHANISM FOR RODDING AND CLEANING PIPES, SEWERS, AND THE LIKE S. O. BLANC Filed June 13, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Patented Aug. 28,1945

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MECHANISM FOR RODDING AND CLEANING PIPES, SEWERS, AND THE LIKE Samuel-0. Blane, Des Moines, Iowa Application June 13, 1942, Serial No. 446,860

17 Claims.

The present invention has to do with devices of the general character as shown in ,BlancPatents Nos. 2,111,527 and 2,282,600. Both of these prior art devices incorporate in their assembly a flexible shaft generally referred to as a snake, consisting of a helically wound steel rod which is inserted lengthwise-into the drain or sewer pipe and rotated, for effecting the loosening -of material clogging the pipe or drain and removing the same therefrom. It has been recognized, however, that such machines have certain inherent objectionable characteristics both from the standpoint of the cost of the snake," as well as the fact that when torsional strain is wound into the same the said flexible shaft is rather dangerous to handle under certain conditiona'and the possibility of damage to the machine is ever present. For some period of time the desirability of using a rod as the flexible element for eflecting the cleaning operation has been recognized, :but until the presout time no efiective power transmitting and feedvice adapted for paying out or retracting the smooth, polished flexible rod element and simultaneously putting the same under torsional stress whereby the cleaning or cutting element at the end thereof is given rotary movement for loosening, cutting and agitating the material within the sewer. or drain, or pipe.

Another object within the purview of the present invention is to provide a novel power transmitting means ter a device of the type herein contemplated, which is so constructed as to provide for the operation of the flexible rod at variable speeds, such means eflecting variable longitudinal as well as rotational movement of the said flexible rod.

Still another object within the purview of the present invention is to provide a novel power transmitting and feeding means embodying in its construction a novel arrangement of elements for efiectively gripping a polished flexible rod to assure positive action for saidrod when being paid out and retracted.

-The present invention has as a further object the provision of novel means adapted to cooperate with the flexible rod to automatically control the feeding and retraction of the said rod. More particularly, such automatic feed control involves the use of means which in cooperation with the said flexible rod automatically controls the operation of the power transmitting and feeding means to prevent damage to the machine, which might otherwise occur where the said flexible rod meets with obstructions within a sewer, drain or the like. 4

As a further object of the present invention, the said automatic feed control mechanism is of such a construction and so arranged with respect to the flexible shaft, that the said shaft under normal conditions is permitted to operate under certain limits of stress placed therein by obstructions and the like in sewers, drains, and the like, but which control means operates automatically when such limits are reached to stop the operation of the machine, thus preventing damage thereto which might otherwise occur because of the over-stressing of said flexible shaft.

Other objects, features, capabilities and advantages 'are comprehended by the invention, as will later appear and as are inherently possessed thereby.

Referring to the drawings Figure 1 is a fragmentary view in plan of a sewer cleaning device or the like made in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a view, partly in elevation and partly in section, of the machine shown in Figure 1 of the drawings;

Figure 3 is an enlarged view in cross section of a part of the machine shown in Figure 1, and

cross section of one end of the machine, and

taken in the plane represented by line 4-4 of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a. view partly in elevation and partly insectiontaksnintheplsnerepresentedby Hofl'igureiofthedrawings;

Figuredisaviewinendelevationtakenin e'plane representedhylinei-I ofl'lgure 1 ofthedrawings:

l'igure'lisacrosssectional'viewofthepower l 'igureiaisadetschedviewofpartofthe' control mechanism for the device taken in the plane represented by the line iI-lf of Figure 6.

Referring now more in detail to the drawings, a cleaning device of the character herein contemplated may be mounted upon a frame. generally referred to as 2, supported through the medium of a plurality of wheels such as 4, whereby the same may be transported from place to place as required. The said frame is formed with shoes, such as I and l, which are: adapted to support the frame and the mechanism mounted thereon in operative position, as may be clearly seen in Figure 12 of the drawings, when the said wheels 4 are retracted. The device as disclosed in the embodiment shown in the drawings. comprises generally a storage means II for the flexible rod i2, apower transmitting and feeding mechanism It, and an automatic feed control ll, all mounted upon the frame I, as will be described more in detail hereinafter.

-As shown in Figures 2 and 4 of the drawings, the storage means I! is in the form of a conelikehousing ll formedwitharearwallfland providing a chamber for the flexible rod II which isadaptedtobecoiledushowninthe drawings, at the outer periphery of the cone element ll adjacent the rear wall it being understood that the end of the flexible: rod i2 is connected tothe cone in any desired manner. The housing is moimted at its rear end through the medium of the wall 2|, which has an outer Journal bearing 22 mounted upon the journal 2 fixed in any desired manner to the frame elements 2'. Likewise secured to the end wall 2| is an inwardly disposed journal 28 which provides a support for a journal bearing 0. of the inner spider I2.

The forward end of the housing It is secured through the medium of the bracket 34 to the radial disc or web 38 of a pulley it loosely mounted through its hub ll upon'a hollow shaft 2, to which reference will be made hereinafter more in detail. The pulley fl is formed with an outer peripheral groove ll adapted to receive a belt 40 which is operated through a series of belts and pulleys, generally referred to as 48, which in turn are driven by a motor connected to the shaft It. The series of pulleys and belts which effect driving relation between shaft 80 and belt 43 has associated therewith adlusting means,

, genersllyreferredtoasltforsdiustingthedrhmfblationofthealldbeltlandmbtlh .upslackwhichmayappesrinthebeltsofsaid drive.

inrcspecttooneanotherandtoinsureWilli operative relation of the forward end of the spider in fixed relation to the sleeve or hollow shaft 42. The spider 32 conforms generally to the shape of the housing cone it, and is further v formed with a guide tube I. leading from adiacent the coiled flexible rod within the housing litoapolntontheasisofrotationofthe spider, as well as the housing, for delivering said flexible rod lengthwise into the bore I of the sleeve or shaft 42.

The hollow shaft 42 constitutes in part the pewer transmitting and feeding means N (Fig. 1), and is connected, as by means of welding or the like, to a housing I in alignment with another hollow sleeve or shaft It extending in opposed relation to the housing 82, and having its bore or opening it in aligned relation to the bore ll of the shaft 42. This housing which encloses certain elements of the power transmitting and feeding means, and which will be described more in detail hereinafter, is supported through the medium of the shafts l2 and M in the Journal bearings ll and Iii (Fig. 3), secured to the frame elements I2 and I4, respectively. The flexible rod l2 extends through the bore 6. of shaft I, through the housing '2 and then through the here I at the forward end of said housing 82.

Since the mechanism within the housing 62' operates in a. lubricant, the retention of which is desired, the said shaft 42 at its rearward end is provided with a bushing II which closely embraces the flexible rod I 2 and serves as a wiping element for said flexible rod when the said rod is being retracted within the housing it, and which prevents the entrance of grit and dirt which may be on the flexible rod as the same is being paid out, as will be more fully appreciated hereinafter. 'The shaft I is further provided with a wipim bushing II disposed at its forward end and retained in position by a-nut II, and which serves in the same capacity as the bushing It.

The power transmitting and feeding means I further includes the friction wheels I! and I4 loosely mounted upon the shafts 42 and fl, respectively, adjacent the rear and front of the housing 02, and each of which is of similar con-' struction, the same being provided with a drum If disposed laterally andto one side of the web necte'd,asshowninPigurel0,toacamele-' ment ll mounted upon the longitudinally disposed shaft III. friction wheel 64 is embraced by the brake band ill and has its ends connected to'a cam I", likewise mounted upon the shaft "I, but dis- The'brake drum 6 of the.

posed in opposed relation to the cam 88 for a purpose to be hereinafter more fully disclosed.

Disposed in frictional cooperative relation with the friction material 82 of thefriction wheels 82 and 84 are opposed drive wheels I08 and I08, splined to shafts H and H2, respectively, which are journaled in hubs III and H8 extending laterally of the housing 82, the shafts having mounted thereon pinion gears H8 and I (Fig. 8) disposed within the housing 62. The drive through wheels I06 and I08 for the mechanism within the housing. is the same in each instance. and reference accordingly will be made to one of said drives only. For example, the pinion I20 meshes with a gear I22 which has an integral pinion I24, which in turn meshes with and drives I88 arranged in parallel relation with the shaft I28 and suitably mounted within the housing 82. Mounted upon the shaft I88 is a gear I28 which, through the medium of the gear assembly I40 corresponding to the gear and pinion I22 and I24, is driven by the pinion II8. Meshing with the gear I26 is another gear I42 mounted upon a shaft I44, which is suitably journaled in the housing 62 and which carries sprocket wheels I46 interengaged by sprocket chains I48 which pass around and engage the sprocket wheels I50 mounted upon a transverse shaft I52 aligned with the shaft I36. Shaft I52 likewise carries a gear I84 which meshes with the gear I88.

The sprocket chains I32 and I48 are of similar construction and, as clearly shown in Figure 9 of the drawings, carry a. plurality of blocks I56 therebetween. Each of the blocks has a longitudlnal recess I58 in the surface thereof for engagement with the flexible rod I2 which extends therebetween. As shown in the drawings, the blocks I56 of the sprocket chains I48ride over the shoes I80 in their longitudinal movement while in engagement with the flexible rod I2. The blocks I56 carried by the sprocket chains I32 likewise engage a shoe I62, but while the shoe I60 is fixed in the support I64, the shoe I62 is resiliently mounted in a recess I66 of the housing I68 though the medium of the spring I10 disposed in said recess I86. The shoes I60 and I62 are of a length to support a series of three of the blocks of each of the sprocket chains and through the medium of the spring I10 a gripping action is effected to feed or retract the flexible rod I2 and to grip the same to introduce torsional stress therein for rotating the free end thereof. Adjustment of the spring action is effected through the medium of the set screw I12.

The present invention involving the use of a highly polished flexible rod as an operating element, comprehends a novel formation for-the blocks I56 whereby a gripping of this flexible rod can be effected. As clearly shown in Figure 9 of the drawings, the radius of curvature for the recesses I58 is less than the radius of curvature for the flexible rod, so that the rod is gripped by substantially line contact in opposed relation between the blocks of the sprocket chains to eil'ecively transmit movement from the power important feature of construction in the present assembly when it is considered that the rod in passing through the power transmitting and feeding means I4 is covered with relatively heavy lubricant, which is essential not only inthe operation of the mechanism within the housing 62, but is desirable to prevent rust and deterioration of the flexible rod.

Operation of the feeding of the flexible rod-is quite apparent from the drawings, and consists in rotating, through the pulley 88, the cone housing I8 and the power transmitting and feeding means I4. Rotation of the housing 62 under normal conditions, with the brake bands 88 and I02 in loose relation with their cooperating brake drums, results in a rotation of: the free end of the flexible rod I2 at the forward end of the machine. The rotation of control shaft I00 in either of two directions, however, effects longitudinal movement of the flexible shaft I2 either in a forward or rear direction. For example, assume shaft I00 is rotated in a direction to eflect a tightening of the brake band 86 on the drum 66. This retards the rotation of the friction wheel 82 and causes rotation of the drive wheels I06 and I08 in respect thereto, in accordance with the rotation of the housing as a unit about its axis.

transmitting and feeding means to the said rod.

This in turn causes rotation of the shafts H0 and II 2 which, through the gearing as shown in Figures '7 and 8, causes movement of the sprocket chains together with the blocks carried thereby. The blocks successively engage. the flexible rod and, in the illustration her given, would cause the flexible rod to be paid or fed out at the front end of the machine.

Longitudinal movement of the flernble rod I2 in the reverse direction is effected by rotation of shaft I00 to release the brake band 96 and to effect operative engagement of the brake band I02 with the brake drum of friction wheel 84. This would result in a reverse movement of the sprocket drive, resulting in retraction of the flexible rod into the housing, where the same would be stored in the manner indicated in the drawings. As will be clearly apparent, the frictional cooperation of the brake bands 96 and I02 with the drums of drive wheels 82 and 88 provide means whereby a variable feeding and retraction of the rod I2 isobtainahle dependent entirely on the amount of pressure applied to said brake bands.

The present invention further contem lates suitable mechanism for automatically controlling the feeding and retraction of the flexible rod so as to prevent damage to the machine, which might otherwise occur in the event that the cleaning tool mounted at the end of the rod meets with an obstruction within the sewer, drain or the like. In connection with this feature of the invention, the said automatic control is likewise effective at certain limits as required by the particular flexible rod being used withthe machine. As shown in Figures 11 and 12 of the drawings, the flexible rod I2 at the forward end of the machine passes through a sleeve I14 mounted in a feed control bar I16 and journaled in the bearing I18 of the frame 2, the said sleeve being in alignment with the bore 66 of the hollow shaft 60. The feed control bar I16 is suitably mounted through the bushings I upon the bolts I82 and I84, whereby the said feed control bar has sliding movement in respect to the said bolts. Disposed on one side of the feed control bar and in abutment therewith, and in surrounding relation to the bolts I82 and I 84, are the coil springs I88 and I88, respectively, having abutment at their other ends with the frame element I88. Disposed on the other side of the feed control bar and in embracing relation to the bolts I82 and I88, are the coil springs I82 and I88 abutting the said feed control bar I18 and having abutting engagement in opposed relation thereto with the nuts I88 and I88 screw-threaded upon the bolts I82 and I88, respectively. Mounted at the end of the sleeve I18 is a flexible sheathing or covering 200 which may, if desired, be made in sections in order to accommodate sewers, drains, and the like, of varying depths from the surface of the ground, and for use under varying conditions, which sheathing embraces the flexible rod I2 and is supported by a flexible strap 202 having a plurality of brackets :208 spaced to support said sheathing 200. This strap 202 is pivoted as at 288. to the bracket 208, which is connected at the end of the sleeve I18.

As shown in Figure 12 of the drawings, the sheathing or covering 200 is in the form of an a-curve, provided at its end with a bracket 2") having a hook element 2 I 2 adapted to engage the top of the sewer, drain, or the like, all as clearly disclosed, as at 2, to retain said sheathing in position to deliverthe flexible rod I2 into the end of the sewer, drain, or the like. In'order to anchor the lower end of the sheathing 200, an anchor 2I8 is provided consisting of a tubular member 2I8, which is pivotally connected at one end to the bracket 2I0 and which telescopically receives an adjustable element 220 at its other end. When the sheathing is lowered into the manhole, the lower end thereof is held in position by means of the anchoring mechanism described. In actual practice the said anchor may be adjusted to the desired length and the end of the sheathing 208 dropped into the manhole in such position that the hook 2 I2 engages one side of the manhole and the anchoring element the other side to secure the supporting mechanism for the said sheathing in fixed position.

In the event obstructions are encountered within the sewer or drain pipe by the cleaning element at the free end of the flexible rod I2,

such obstruction, with continued forward movement of the rod, causes the rod to act upon the sheathing 208, which in turn, through the medium oi the ieed control bar I18, acts against the coil springs I82 and I88. Where obstructions are encountered upon longitudinal movement of the flexible rod I2 in the opposite direction, the rod tends to move the sheathing 208, which in turn tends to compress the coil springs I88 and I88. The coil springs are selected as to capacity so as to accommodate the particular flexible rod being used, and in the present illustration the springs I82 and I88 are of 200 pounds capacity while the springs I88 and I88 are of 600 pounds capacity, the rod illustrated in the present invention being slightly greater than one-fourth of an inch.

In connection with the mechanism disclosed in Figures 11 and 12, further means is provided for automatically controlling longitudinal movement of the flexible rod II where obstructions are encountered, and the sheathing 208 through the feed control bar, compresses the springs abutting the same. Such mechanism is disclosed in F18- ures 6 and 10, and comprises a bell crank lever 222 pivoted to the frame as at 228 and to the iced control bar as at 228 through the link 228, the said bell crank being connected as at 280 to the transversely arranged control element 282 having the adjustable nuts 288 and 288 on either side of a carriage 288. The carriage 288, slidable on bar 282, is pivotally connected as at 280 to the lever arm 282 fixed to the shaft I80. As

previously described, the shaft I00 has mounted thereon the cam elements 88 and I08, and accordingly the said cams are operated through the medium of the lever arm 282 whenever either of the nuts 288 or 288 contact the carriage 288.

This occurs upon compression of the springs associated with the feed control bar, as hereinbefore described, and accordingly the feed control bar I18 operates to control the cams 88 and I08. Movement of these cams affects the feedin mechanism I8, as previously described, so that when an obstruction is met which causes compression of the springs associated with the feed control bar I18 to such an extent that said springs are compressed to their predetermined limit, then the feeding is automatically stopped by the mechanism described.

The automatic control immediately above described, is usedin coniunction with a manual control which is used for controlling the mechanism I8. Such manual control comprises a lever 288 having an operating knob 288 fixed to the end of a shaft 288 and disposed adjacent a sector 250 which is provided with notches adapted to be engaged by a plunger 0r pawl 282 attached to the control handle 288. In initiating operation of the machine, the handle may be manipulated to secure the desired movement of the flexible rod, after which the same is held in place by the pawl 252 engaging in a notch on the sector 250. The operating shaft 288 is mounted as at 288 in the frame of the machine, and is provided with the bell crank lever 258, one arm 288 of which extends above the shaft, and the other arm 280 of which extends below the shaft. Connected to the shaft I00 is lever arm 282 extendlng outwardly toward the handle 288, and to which are connected coil springs 288 and 288, the former of which has its outer end connected to the end of arm 280 and the latter of which has its outer end connected to the arm 288. It will therefore be seen that a flexible operating connection is eflected between the handle 288 and the shaft I00 by virtue of the springs 288 and 288. The capacity of these springs is sufiicient to maintain the lever 282 in proper position for operating either of the cams 88 or I08, but are not of such a capacity that the positioning of either of the earns 88 or I08 is maintained when the lever 282 is operated by the control mechanism. Accordingly, when obstructions are encountered, the automatic control mechanism opcrates to stop the longitudinal feeding of the flexible rod irrespective of what the setting of the manual control may have been in the first instance.

In accordance with the present invention, longitudinal movement of the flexible shaft into and out of the sewer, drain or the .like, is readily and conveniently effected,- and at the same time the same is rotated to assist the cleaning element in removingaccumulations of dirt or other material and for cutting roots and the like which may have clogged the drain or sewer. It is to be noted that the flexible rod is subject to storing of torsional energy by virtue of the fact that the same is effectively gripped by the blocks of the power transmitting and feeding mechanism, and that, accordingly, such storing of torsional energy facilitates the removal of the material within the sewer or drain and cutting While I have herein described and upon the drawings shown an illustrative embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto but may comprehend other constructions, arrangements of parts, details and features without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In a power operated mechanism for cleaning sewers and the like, the combination of a power transmitting and feeding mechanism comprising a single solid flexible rod adapted to be introduced into the sewer and the like and for transmitting torsional energy to a cleaning device attached to the end thereof, means for imparting longitudinal movement to said rod, means for rotating said rod about its longitudinal axis, said before mentioned means comprising gripping means including opposed gripping blocks provided with longitudinal grooves for receiving said rod, said grooves having their marginal edges spaced apart a distance less than the diameter of said rod, said edges being adapted to grip id rod in opposed substantial line contact.

2. In a power operated mechanism for cleaning sewers and the like, the combination of a power transmitting and feeding mechanism comprising a single solid flexible substantially round rod adapted to be introduced into the sewer and the like and for transmitting ,torsional energy to a cleaning device attached to the end thereof, means for imparting longitudinal movement to said rod, means for rotating said rod about its longitudinal axis, said before mentioned means comprising ripping means including opposed gripping blocks provided with longitudinal grooves for receiving said rod, said grooves being circular in formation with a radius of curvature less than the radius of curvature of said rod whereby the same is gripped between said blocks in opposed substantially line contact.

3. In a power operated mechanism for cleaning sewers and the like, the combination of a power transmitting and feeding mechanism comprising a single solid flexible substantially round rod adapted to'be introduced into the sewer and the like and for transmitting torsional energy to a cleaning device attached to the end thereof, means for imparting longitudinal movement to said rod while rotating about its longitudinal axis, said means comprising a lubricant containing housing, opposed longitudinally travelling chains disposed in said housing, rod gripping blocks carried by said chains and having longitudinally disposed grooves for receiving said rod, said means including opposed shoes for guiding said blocks, means for flexibly mounting at least one of said shoes whereby said shoes are maintained in gripping relation to said rod, and said grooves being of circular formation with a radius of curvature less than the radius of curvature of said rod whereby the same is gripped between said blocks in opposed substantially line contact.

4. In a device of the character described, the combination of a single solid flexible rod for transmitting torsional energy, a source of power, storage means for said flexible rod driven by said source of power, rotatably mounted guide means having means of crank-like formationfor receiving said stored flexible rod and delivering the of said guide means,

same at the axis of rotation means driven by said guide means and adapted to receive said flexible rod for imparting longitudinal movement to said rod while rotating about cleaning implement when in and means actuated by said guide means 'forits longitudinal axis, said means including a rotating housing having aligned hollow shafts for said rod, said means further including longitudinally movable gripping members disposed within said housing and in gripping relation to said rod, said means further including a selective friction control means between said source of power and said gripping members for selectively moving said rod at varying speeds.

5. In a device of the character described, the combination of a flexible rod for transmitting torsional energy having a cleaning implement attached to the workingend thereof, a power transmitting and feeding mechanism for imparting longitudinal movement to said rod while rotating about its longitudinal axis, operating means therefor, and means responsive to the operating conditions of said cleaning implement when in a sewer or the like for automatically controlling the operation of said power transmitting and feeding mechanism.

6. Ina device of the character described, the combination of a flexible rod for transmitting torsional energy having a cleaning implement attached to the working end thereof, a power transmitting and feeding mechanism for impartinglongitudinal movement to said rod while rotating about its longitudinal axis, operating means therefor, guide means at the forward end of said device for said rod, said guide means being responsive to operating conditions of said a sewer or the like,

automatically controlling the operation of said power transmitting and feeding mechanism.

7. In a device of the character described, the combination of a flexible rod for transmitting torsional energy, a'power transmitting and feed-. ing mechanism for imparting longitudinal movement to said rod while rotating about its longitudinal axis, operating means therefor, flexible guide means adapted to cooperate with said rod,

said guide means being adapted to be positioned adjacent one end thereof in operative relation to a pipe or the like for wise into and out of the same, said guide means extending in curved. formation to said device, means adjacent the other end of said guide means for movably mounting the same relative to said device, and means responsive to the movably mounted guide means for automatically control ling the operation of said power transmitting and feeding mechanism.

8. Inc, device of the character described, the combination of a flexible rod for transmitting torsional energy having a cleaning implement attached to the working end thereof, a power transmitting and feeding mechanism for imparting longitudinal movement to said rodwhile rotating about its longitudinal axis, operating means therefor, giude means at the forward end of said device for said rod, said guide means being responsive to operating conditions of said cleaning implement when in a seweror the like, means for manually controlling operation of said power transmitting and feeding mechanism, and means actuated by said guide means for automatically controlling the operation of said power transmitting and feeding mechanism.

9. In a device of the character described, the combination of a flexible rod for transmitting torsional energy having a cleaning implement attached to the working end thereof, a power transmitting and feeding mechanism for impart. ing longitudinal movement to said rod while rodirecting said rod lengththrough the said manual control means.

10; In a device of the character described, the combination of a flexible rod for transmitting torsional energy, a power transmitting and feeding mechanism for imparting longitudinal movement to said rod while rotating about its longitudinal axis, operating means therefor, means for manually controlling operation of said power transmitting and feeding mechanism, flexible guide means adapted to cooperate with said rod, said guide means being adapted to be positioned adjacent one end thereof in operative relation to a pipe or the like for directing said rod lengthwise into and out of the same, said guide means extending in curved formation to said device, means adjacent the other end of said guide means for movably mounting the same relative to said device, and means responsive to the movably mounted end of said guide means and operatively associated therewith and with said manual control for automatically controlling the operation of said power transmitting and feeding mechanism through the said manual control means under certain conditions of operation of said rod.

11. In a device of the character described, the combination of a flexible rod for transmitting torsional energy, a power transmitting and feeding mechanism for imparting longitudinal movement to said rod while rotating about its longitudinal axis, operating means therefor, means for manually controlling operation of said power transmitting and feeding mechanism, flexible guide means adapted to cooperate with said rod, said guide means being adapted to be positioned adjacent one end thereof in operative relation to a pipe or the like for directing said rod lengthwise into and out of the same, said guide means ex-, tending in curved formation to said device, means adjacent the other end of said guide means for movably mounting the same relative to said device, and means responsive to the movably mounted end of said guide means and operatively associated therewith and with said manual control I for automatically controlling the operation of said power transmitting and feeding mechanism through the said manual control means, said lastnamed means including means providing a yieldable connection with said manual control means under certain conditions of operation of said rod.

12. In a device of the character described, the combination of a flexible rod for transmitting torsional energy, a power transmitting and feeding mechanism for imparting longitudinal movement to said rod while rotating about its longitudinal axis, operating means therefor, means for controlling operation of said power transmitting and feeding mechanism including cam means and a manual control therefor, flexible guide means adapted to cooperate with said rod, said guide means being adapted to be positioned adjacent one end thereof in operative relation to a pipe or the like for directing said rod lengthwise into and out of the same, said guide means extending in curved formation to said device, means adiacent the other end of said guide means for movably mounting the same relative to said device, and means responsive to the movably mounted end of said guide means and operatively associated therewith and with said cam means for'automatically controlling the operation of said power transmitting and feeding mechanism under certain conditions of operation of said rod.

13. In a device of the character described, the combination of a flexible rod for transmitting torsional energy, a power transmitting and feeding mechanism for imparting longitudinal movement to said rod while rotating about its longitudinal axis, operating means therefor, means for controlling operation of said power transmitting and feeding mechanism including cam means and a manual control therefor, means providing a flexible connection between said cam means and said manual control, flexible guide means adapted to cooperate with said rod, said guide means being adapted to be positioned adjacent one end thereof in operative relation to a pipe or the like for directing said rod lengthwise into and out of the same, said guide means extending in curved formotion to said device, means adjacent the other end of said guide means for movably mounting the same relative to said device, and means responsive to the movably mounted end of said guide means and operatively associated therewith and with said cam means for automatically controlling the operation of said power transmitting and feeding mechanism under certain conditions of operation of said rod.

14. In a device of the character described, the combination of a flexible rod for transmitting torsional energy. a power transmitting and feeding mechanism for imparting longitudinal movement to said rod while rotating about its longitudinal axis, operating means therefor, flexible guide means adapted to cooperate with said rod, said guide means being adapted to be positioned adjacent one end thereof in operative relation to a pipe or the like for directing said rod lengthwise into and out of the same, said guide means extending in curved formation to said device, means adjacent the other end of said guide means for movably mounting the same relative to said device, said movable mounting including resilient means of predetermined capacity for resisting movement of said flexible guide means in one direction and resilient means of a different capacity for resisting movement of said flexible guide means in another direction, and means responsive to said movably mounted guide means for automatically controlling the operation of said power transmitting and feeding mechanism.

15. In a deviceof the character described, the combination of a flexible shaft for transmitting torsional energy, a source of power, means for imparting longitudinal movement to said shaft while rotating about its longitudinal axis, said means including a rotatably mounted housing having substantially aligned hollow shafts for receiving said shaft, longitudinally movable gripping members disposed within said houslng and in gripping relation to said shaft, said means further including opposed friction wheels associated with said housing and mounted for rotation substantially on the axis of rotation of said housing, opposed drive wheels associated with said housing and mounted for rotation on an axis substantially normal to the axis of rotation of said housing and having frictional cooperative relation with said friction wheels, said drive wheels having a driving connecton with said gripping members, and means for locking said friction wheels against rotation to effect a driving of said drive wheels upon rotation of said housing.

16. In a device of the character described, the combination of a flexible shaft for transmitting torsional energy, a source of power, means for imparting longitudinal movement to said shaft while rotating about its longitudinal axis, said means including a rotatably mounted housing having substantially aligned hollow shafts for receiving said shaft, longitudinally movable gripping members disposed within said housing and in gripping relation to said shaft, said means further including opposed friction wheels associated with said housing and mounted for relative rotation therewith substantially on the axis of rotation thereof, opposed drive wheels associated with said housing and mounted for rotation on an axis substantially normal to the axis of rotation of said housing and having frictional cooperative relation with said friction wheels, said drive wheels having a, driving connection with said gripping members, and means for controlling said relative rotation of said opposed friction wheels with respect to said housing.

17. In a device of the character described, the combination of a flexible shaft for transmitting torsional energy, a source of power, means for imparting longitudinal movement to said shaft while rotating about its longitudinal axis, said means including a rotatably mounted housing having substantially aligned hollow shafts for receiving said shaft, longitudinally movable gripping members disposed withinv said housing and in gripping relation to said shaft, said means further including opposed friction wheels associated with said housing and mounted for relative said gripping members, said opposed friction wheels having friction drums, and means including drum engaging elements for controlling said relative rotation of said opposed friction wheels with respect to said housing.

SAMUEL O. BLANC. 

